Democrats Enlist Two Candidates

July 1, 2014

The Palo Alto County Democrats met in their reconvened county convention June 25 to take draft candidates to fill the vacancies created by retiring County Treasurer, Mary Hilfiker who is in her eighth year in that position. Earlier this year County Recorder, Bonnie Whitney, also announced her coming retirement after her eight years of dedicated public service as Recorder.

Delegates from the March 15 County Democratic Convention were recognized and alternate delegates were seated. Lori Hebel served as convention Chair and Johnny Schad was selected as secretary for the evening.

The Convention recognized Mary Hilfiker's dedicated service as Treasurer and her 10 years as Democratic Party Secretary. Bonnie Whitney was applauded for her eight years as Recorder and as Democratic Party Treasurer.

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Jack Kibbie nominated Emmetsburg High School teacher, businessman, and longtime county resident Ted Riley, to run as County Treasurer. John Kerber seconded Riley's nomination. All delegates accepted Riley by unanimous acclamation.

Riley addressed the convention and thanked the group for their support. Riley obtained his Bachelor's degree from Buena Vista University in 1980 and his Master's in Education Leadership from S.W. MN State, Marshall MN. in 2001. For the past 31 years, Riley has served the Emmetsburg Community School System as teacher and chairman of the Mathematics' program, District Level Team Member, Member of the State Advisory Board for Iowa High School Girl's Athletic Union for both Basketball and Golf. In 2007, Riley was inducted into the Hall of Fame for Iowa Basketball Coaches Association. In the summer months, Riley is self employed as a painting contractor. For the past 31 years he has headed a detasseling crew of 75 to 100 young adults. Riley continues to volunteer with Emmetsburg Little League, St. Patrick's Association and with the Knights of Columbus. Riley and his wife, Lori, have been married 32 years with three children, Matt of Algona, Katie of Minneapolis and Mark of Emmetsburg.

Kay Kibbie then nominated Ruthven native, and school teacher and Doctoral Candidate, Angie Fay, to serve as Democratic candidate for County Recorder. Mary Greene seconded her nomination which was approved by unanimous vote of the delegates.

Ms. Fay also addressed the convention, thanking them for their confidence and support. Fay is a long term resident of Ruthven. She graduated 1996 from Simpson College with a degree in Political Science and Secondary Teaching Endorsement in American Government . In 2001, Fay received her second Bachelor's Degree in English and Language Arts from Buena Vista University. In 2008, she obtained her Master's Degree in Science of Education from Drake University. In addition to her teaching duties, Fay is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Education at Argosy University. She has served as middle school and high school teacher since 1996. Ms. Fay has taught at Forest Ridge Youth Services in Estherville, at Graettinger Community School, at Green Valley Area Education Agency in Creston, Iowa, at Sioux Central School in Sioux Rapids, at Ventura Community School in Ventura Iowa, at Clear Lake Middle School and currently at Ruthven-Ayrshire Community Schools. In 1992, Angie Fay served as a Page in the Iowa House of Representatives and in 1996 she served as an Intern in the Iowa Senate with Senator Jack Kibbie. In 1992 Ms. Fay received the Girl Scouts Gold Award (the equivalent to the Boy Scouts Eagle award). Angie Fay is a mother of two young daughters. All three Fay "girls" are active in local Girl Scouts. Angie Fay and her two daughters are members of the Ruthven Sacred Heart parish and are active in County 4H activities. Ms. Fay looks forward to continued service to her County and community.

Convention Chair will submit official written nomination information to the County Auditor.

The convention formalized the party's volunteer efforts and plans preparing for the overnight host site for the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa on July 21. The Convention was adjourned with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Either nominee can be found in the phone book or by their email addresses: tlriley@ncn.net and/or jannafay@yahoo.com or by contacting County Chair, Lori Hebel at lorihebel@smartsbroadcast.com .